XML Data Binding via Element and Attribute Classes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing XML data binding approaches either require complex code modifications for late addition of data binding in procedural methods or struggle with reusability in declarative methods, making it difficult to add support for data binding in existing projects and inefficient for new projects.
Innovation Solution
The development of element classes and attribute classes that include constructors, decomposers, and composers for non-atomic and atomic classes, respectively, allowing for the generation of XML documents without the need for extensive code writing and enabling reusability across projects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If procedural approaches are used for XML data binding, then flexibility and late addition capability are improved, but code complexity and development cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces element classes and attribute classes as intermediary components between existing Java classes and XML data binding. These intermediary classes handle the complexity of serialization and deserialization logic, allowing late addition of data binding without modifying existing business logic classes. The element classes serve as mediators that bridge the gap between existing objects and XML structures, encapsulating the complex transformation rules within reusable templates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data binding functionality into distinct reusable components: element classes for non-atomic types and attribute classes for atomic types. Each segment contains specific templates for constructors, serializers, and deserializers. This segmentation allows developers to add data binding support by incorporating only the necessary segments rather than implementing complete procedural binding logic, thereby reducing code complexity while maintaining flexibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If declarative approaches are used for XML data binding, then code writing effort is reduced and reusability is improved, but adaptability for existing projects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system where element classes and attribute classes can be selectively applied to existing Java classes through configuration rather than rigid compilation. The approach allows the data binding framework to adapt to existing project structures by dynamically determining which elements and attributes need binding support, enabling late addition without requiring complete re-engineering of existing classes. This dynamic configuration capability bridges the gap between declarative simplicity and adaptability to existing codebases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops universal element class and attribute class templates that can be applied across different projects and existing Java classes. These templates serve multiple functions: they provide reusable serialization/deserialization logic, support various data types through inheritance, and can be configured for different XML schemas. This universality allows the same template structure to be used for late addition in existing projects while maintaining the simplicity of declarative approaches.
3Manufacturing precision
If XML Schema knowledge is required for data binding, then mapping precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms within the element and attribute class templates that automatically generate appropriate XML mappings based on Java class structures. The templates contain built-in logic that self-configures serialization and deserialization rules without requiring manual XML Schema definitions. This self-service capability maintains mapping precision by using type-safe Java reflections while eliminating the need for developers to manually write complex XML Schema mappings, thereby improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual XML Schema writing and configuration with an automated system based on Java class introspection and template instantiation. Instead of requiring developers to manually define XML schemas and mappings, the system automatically generates the binding configuration by analyzing Java class structures and applying predefined templates. This substitution maintains mapping precision through type-safe automation while dramatically improving ease of operation by eliminating manual Schema authoring.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of systems and methods for reusable and late addition enabled XML data binding are described herein. A computer receives an element class that is created for a non-atomic class. The element class comprises a first constructor, a decomposer that returns data extracted from an object for an entity to aid in serialization, and a composer that extracts value of the entity and creates a new instance of the non-atomic class using the extracted value to aid in de-serialization. The object is of type non-atomic class. The computer also receives an attribute class that is created for an atomic class to which the non-atomic class refers to. The attribute class comprises a second constructor, a serializer, and a de-serializer. The computer then generates an XML document using the element class and the attribute class.